Swimming, Fishing & Paddling Near Lake Champagne Resort

Lake Champagne has its own 3-acre swimming pond right on site, but central Vermont has plenty more water to explore. The White River system — Vermont's longest undammed river — runs right through the area, feeding swimming holes, trout streams, and paddling routes. Add in a handful of lakes and state parks within 45 minutes, and you've got options for every kind of water day.

All drive times measured from Lake Champagne Resort, 53 Lake Champagne Drive, Randolph, VT 05060.

Info verified February 2026 — always check conditions before heading out, especially water levels after rain.

Fishing license: Vermont requires a fishing license for anyone 15 and older. Purchase online at Vermont Fish & Wildlife or at local sporting goods stores. A short-term tourist license is available.

On Site

Lake Champagne

0 minutes | Right here at the campground

The campground's own 3-acre clear swimming pond with a sand beach and dock, fed by a dammed stream. No driving required — walk down from your site and swim.

Swimming. Good for: A quick dip any time of day.

The White River System

The White River is Vermont's longest undammed river — roughly 60 miles of free-flowing water from the Green Mountains to the Connecticut River. Its branches (First, Second, Third) plus the main stem all flow within easy reach of the campground. Together they support swimming, fishing, tubing, and paddling.

Water quality note: Contact the White River Partnership at (802) 763-7733 for current water quality conditions, especially after heavy rain.

Second Branch of the White River

10 minutes | Follows VT Route 14 through Randolph

The closest fishing water to the campground. The Second Branch flows from Williamstown through Brookfield and Randolph to join the main river in Royalton. Access points along Route 14, with covered bridges in the Randolph area marking good spots. Holds rainbow and brown trout, with stocked sections for put-and-take fishing early in the season.

Fishing. Good for: A quick morning or evening session without driving far.

Third Branch of the White River

15 minutes | Follows Route 12A through Braintree to Bethel

Brown trout water, especially upstream from where it meets the main stem. The Third Branch rises in the Roxbury area, flows through Braintree, clips a corner of Randolph, and enters Bethel.

Fishing. Good for: Trout fishing close to camp.

White River — South Royalton

20 minutes | Access from Chelsea Street bridge, South Royalton

Multiple swimming spots along the White River near South Royalton village, accessible from the Chelsea Street bridge area. Popular with locals for swimming and casual tubing. As with all river swimming, check water levels and use caution — conditions change with recent rainfall.

Swimming, tubing. Good for: River swimming, a free afternoon.

Pinch Rock River Access

20 minutes | South Royalton, on the White River

A maintained river access point on the White River with stone stairs down to the water. Managed by the Vermont River Conservancy with improved parking. Swimming, fishing, and put-in for paddling.

Swimming, fishing, paddling put-in. Good for: River access with good facilities.

First Branch of the White River

22 minutes | Follows Route 110 from Chelsea through Tunbridge to Royalton

A beautiful stream running past historic covered bridges, with brook trout, browns, and rainbows. The First Branch through Tunbridge and Chelsea is classic small-stream Vermont trout fishing.

Fishing. Good for: Scenic stream fishing, brook trout, covered bridge scenery.

Main Stem of the White River

30 minutes | Follows Routes 100 and 107 through Rochester, Stockbridge, Bethel

The main stem is bigger water than the branches — Vermont's longest undammed river with brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. A fly-fishing-only section runs from Cleveland Brook to Linnieville Brook in Bethel — check Vermont Fish & Wildlife for current regulations and access points.

Fishing, paddling. Good for: Experienced anglers, fly fishing (in the restricted section).

White River Water Trail

Various access points

The entire main stem of the White River is a paddling corridor, managed by the White River Partnership. Sections range from Class I (flatwater, beginner-friendly) to Class III (experienced paddlers only). Multiple put-in and take-out points along Routes 100 and 107. The Partnership publishes a water trail map with access points and difficulty ratings.

Paddling. Good for: River paddling at various levels, multi-section trips.

Lakes & Ponds

Sunset Lake & the Floating Bridge

15 minutes | Route 65, Brookfield | Free

A scenic 25-acre lake in the village of Brookfield, best known for the Floating Bridge — the only one east of the Mississippi. The bridge sits directly on the water's surface and is a Vermont landmark. Bring your own boat for a mellow flatwater paddle — no rentals on-site. Swimming access around the lake. Worth a visit even if you're not getting in the water.

Swimming, paddling. Good for: A scenic detour, flatwater paddling, photos of the floating bridge.

Silver Lake State Park

25 minutes | 20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard

Day use: 10am–sunset | Fee: check vtstateparks.com for current rates

An 84-acre lake in the hills of Barnard with a sandy swimming beach, shallow wading area for small kids, and boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards). Surrounded by forest with picnic areas and restrooms. Fish from the state park shore or rent a boat — warmwater species including perch and bass. One of the closest and most complete lake destinations to the campground: swimming, fishing, and paddling all in one spot.

Swimming, fishing, paddling (rentals available). Good for: Families with kids, a half-day trip, combining activities.

Farther Afield (30–45 Minutes)

Warren Falls

45 minutes | Route 100, 3.5 miles south of Warren village | Free | Parking: dirt lot (fills fast on weekends — arrive early)

One of Vermont's most popular natural swimming holes — deep, clear pools carved into rock ledges along the Mad River. Multiple levels with calm pools for wading and higher rocks that attract cliff jumpers. Rocks are slippery year-round; use caution.

Swimming. Good for: Adventurous swimmers, a scenic day trip, cliff jumping (at your own risk).

Waterbury Center State Park

37 minutes | 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center

Day use: 10am–sunset | Fee: check vtstateparks.com for current rates

A peninsula park on the Waterbury Reservoir with a swimming area, boat rentals, and picnic facilities. The reservoir is large enough for serious paddling with undeveloped shoreline and multiple fingers to explore. Remote backcountry campsites accessible by water. Combine with a stop in Waterbury village.

Swimming, paddling (rentals available). Good for: A full day trip, combining swimming with paddling.

Worth the Drive (Over 45 Minutes)

Green River Reservoir State Park

~70 minutes | 1393 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park

Day use: 10am–sunset | (802) 888-1349

653 acres of water with 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline — one of the most remote-feeling paddles in Vermont. Internal combustion motors are prohibited; electric motors are allowed at no-wake speed. Backcountry campsites accessible only by water. Arrive early: parking is limited and the park closes to new entries once full. This is a longer drive than our usual recommendations, but there's nothing else like it in the state.

Paddling. Good for: Experienced paddlers, solitude seekers, a full-day wilderness paddle.

Quick Reference

Closest water (under 15 min): Lake Champagne swimming pond (on-site), Second Branch White River fishing (10 min), Sunset Lake paddling (15 min)

Best family lake day: Silver Lake State Park (25 min) — beach, rentals, picnic, fishing all in one spot

Best river swimming: South Royalton (20 min) for easy access, Warren Falls (45 min) for adventure

Best fishing close to camp: Second Branch (10 min) and Third Branch (15 min)

Best paddling: Green River Reservoir (~70 min, worth the drive) for wilderness, Silver Lake (25 min) for families, Waterbury Reservoir (37 min) for a big water day

Last updated: February 2026. Water levels and conditions change quickly — check with the White River Partnership for river conditions and Vermont State Parks for lake/beach info. Vermont fishing license required for ages 15+.